Championship-winning coach Gary van Egmond will join the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) men’s football (soccer) program as senior coach.

Director of the AIS, Professor Peter Fricker said the Institute decided to proceed with engaging van Egmond until 2012 after Football Federation Australia withdrew from a joint offer last week.

‘Gary’s appointment continues the Institute’s tradition of employing excellence,’ Professor Fricker said.

‘He is one of Australia’s outstanding coaches and his tremendous knowledge and experience will help our young group of talented footballers reach their potential.

‘Gary applied for this position through an open process and emerged as the best man for the job.

‘The confusion around his contract with Newcastle was unfortunate but it would have been a travesty if Gary’s talents were sidelined. We understand the Jets have now moved on and it is important that Gary is also given the same opportunity.

‘The AIS will honour its part of the original offer to Gary so he can focus on assisting the AIS in preparing players for national and international representation.

‘The 2006 Socceroos World Cup squad contained 12 former AIS scholarship holders and Gary is the ideal man to help groom the players who are the future of football beyond next year’s World Cup.’

Van Egmond said he was excited by the opportunity to coach at the AIS with its world-class athletes, facilities and support.

‘This has been a difficult period,’ van Egmond said. ‘I am pleased I have certainty and that I can now move ahead.

‘The AIS is regarded throughout the world as being at the forefront of elite athlete development and the Institute’s football program reflects that reputation.

‘I’m really looking forward to working alongside a top quality coach like Jan Versleijen and being part of the AIS program,’ Van Egmond said.

International players such as Mark Viduka, Craig Moore, Ned Zelic, Brett Emerton, Lucas Neil, Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy and Vince Grella are just a few of the players who have come through the AIS Football program.